THE QUEEN'S BELFAST SPEECH IN FULL

Here is the full text of the speech delivered by the Queen on her visit to Belfast City Hall:

Lord Mayor,

Thank you for your warm words.

Although I was last in Belfast two years ago, it's the first time for nearly half a century that I have been inside this historic and beautiful building. It is a great pleasure to be back, and to be here with representatives of every part of the community.

Much has happened since I was last in the City Hall. We have learnt a lot in those years about ourselves, each other, and how societies can only grow and flourish if they are built on trust, respect, justice and inter-dependence. On our visit Prince Philip and I have seen something of the constructive ways in which the people of this city are working together to serve the common good, and we have observed at first-hand how Belfast can attract prominent investors thereby creating high value jobs.

I know there are many challenges ahead and peacemaking is not always an easy task. But you have come this far by turning the impossible into the possible; and as you face the future and difficulties that may appear insurmountable, always remember that the thoughts and prayers of millions, including my own, are with you.

There are few things we know for certain, but we do know that in fifty years' time, a new generation will be in this Hall; and I hope they -- our grandchildren and great grandchildren -- will look back together and see a place which has been further transformed; and that they will see fully realised the words of my grandfather who, as you rightly say, spoke in this very building in 1921 and asked, 'to stretch out the hand of forbearance and conciliation'.

The world yearns for examples of positive transformation and of people overcoming differences. I hope and believe that Belfast will continue to be one such living example, and I want to thank you - all of you - from every part of this city for the hard work and dedication which you and your families have given to help reshape the city of Belfast and the lives of all the people who live here.